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Miniball, The Last Yiddish Speaker, and the return of Pop-Up Gardens
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, March 28-April 3, 2024
Kyle V. Hiller
This week features performances and screenings galore. The Last Yiddish Speaker, a new show premiere from InterAct Theatre takes the stage at the Drake. Miniball returns at FringeArts with shows you may have missed, new performances to discover, and fun events. The Philadelphia Film Society hosts a slasher film marathon in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society reopens its Pop-Up Gardens.
State of the Art Showcase: Women’s History Month Edition
Friday, March 29, 7-11pm
Culture Currency Studios, 3460 J Street, Philadelphia
The Hot Box hosts its second installation of State of the Art Philly, and this year’s showcase pays homage to the achievements and stories of women throughout history. The installation will also feature a conversation with collector Tierra Rich and a special hilofiber class presented by Miranda Lopez (with the class holding limited availability). The event is free and open to the public.
Miniball
March 28-March 31, 2024
FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Miniball is back, giving encores to some Philly Fringe favorites from last year’s roster of shows and making room for new performances over the weekend. Performances include Neuro-box-RE-shuffle, an immersive video installation for an audience of one; Dora’s Gently Used Dream Store, an interactive performance about the dreams and nightmares donated by past customers (and audience members); Part-clown-show and part-tragedy Love You Love You Love You, a performance that exposes the stigma surrounding persons with dementia and the sorrow and rage of watching a loved one slowly disappear; and a benefit cabaret to save Philadelphia from climate change.
Mischievous Maniacs
Saturday, March 30, 12pm
Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Film Society hosts an all-day slasher movie marathon centered around sinister pranks—just in time for April Fool’s Day. Four films fill out the day, including 70s and 80s classics Carrie, Prom Night, Slaughter High, and the comedic slasher trope spoof film appropriately titled April Fool’s Day.
The Last Yiddish Speaker
March 29-April 21, 2024
Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, 302 South Hicks Street, Philadelphia
InterAct Theatre presents a world premiere production by Deborah Zoe Laufer, The Last Yiddish Speaker, a play that asks what if the insurrection on January 6, 2021, was successful. It examines that reality through the eyes of Paul (Dan Hodge) and his teenage daughter Sarah (Kaitlyn Zion) who live under the radar in a small upstate New York town as Christian-passing despite being Jews who fled New York City. After an ancient Yiddish-speaking woman arrives on their doorstep, Paul and Sarah are forced to decide between fleeing again or fighting for their faith, their heritage, and their identity.
PHS Pop-Up Gardens return
Friday, March 29 through late fall
Various locations
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will open its seasonal PHS Pop-Up Gardens starting this week and lasting through the fall. Two gardens pop up this year at 1438 South Street and in Manayunk at 106 Jamestown Avenue. Drink and dine for a green cause as the gardens help support PHS’s efforts in year-round greening work in the Philadelphia region. Be sure to check out their events calendar for plant swaps, a composting workshop, and more.
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